Clinical Pharmacist

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Clinical Pharmacist has primary emphasis on handling routine medication-related activities in accordance with local and national policies and regulations. These include, but are not limited to: reviewing, interpreting, and verifying medication orders; processing and filling medication orders; making recommendations to clinical staff regarding medication therapy orders; reviewing the patient's medications, allergies, labs and other pertinent information from the medication record.

• Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Drug Dispensing Receives and accurately interprets written orders of physicians and dentists utilizing professional knowledge of drugs. All necessary clarification and corrections will be made prior to dispensing. Decisions regarding appropriateness will be based upon local and VA policies, professional standards and the latest available drug information. Documents that a corrective action, if required, was recommended. Reviews and maintains complete records of drugs and other pertinent information before dispensing and assures that the dose is within the therapeutic range and does not adversely affect the action of other drugs or conditions on the patient's profile. When assigned to outpatient area, over-sees and participates in the prompt and timely processing of all prescriptions received. Provides education to patients upon request and when new medication, new dosage and/or new medication instructions are ordered by a physician. Will provide written recommendations for a continuing resolution of any problems in the drug distribution process. Correctly interprets and dispenses or supervises dispensing of all inpatient medications, including ward stock, automatic stock replenishment, unit dose and intravenous admixtures. All physician orders will be reviewed for correctness of dosages, route of administration etc. Provides inpatient medication in a timely fashion in accordance with the needs of the patient. Will provide written recommendations for a continuing resolution of any problems in the drug distribution process. Incumbent will have a thorough knowledge of drug stability, reconstitution requirements, able to recognize incompatibility, able to recognize overdoses and contraindications in orders. Will keep updated and will apply the latest sterile compounding techniques, the latest I.V. administration techniques, I.V. equipment and I.V. drug-information reference sources. Will understand and apply the critical nature of infection control procedures and the importance of maintaining a clean, aseptic work area. Maintains a thorough understanding of policies, procedures, protocols and responsibilities and will be able to perform or supervise performance of all responsibilities assigned to pharmacy in the unit dose program. Incumbent will have a thorough knowledge and understanding and will apply the policies and procedures involving the procurement, storage, recording and dispensing of controlled substances. Will monitor perpetual inventories of controlled substances and assist inspectors in their monthly reviews of controlled substances. Clinical Functions Utilizes a knowledge of the methods and procedures of clinical review of physicians' and dentists' orders. Communicate with patients regarding their medications. Provides accurate, unbiased and cost-effective drug information to professional health care providers utilizing a knowledge of adult and geriatric pharmacotherapy in psychiatry and medicine. Resolves drug related problems and questions in a timely and professional manner. Provides admission and discharge patient medication interviews or counseling for drug history, compliance enhancement, and pharmacotherapeutic plan development. Collateral Duties Directs and inspects the work of subordinates involved in the technical and clerical functions of the pharmacy; maintains timeliness of workload. Orients and trains pharmacy staff, students and residents to ensure acceptable quality of work within areas assigned. Develops personal training plans and documents the course of training. Documents personal plans and accomplishments. Serves on medical center committee(s) when assigned and/or if opportunity exists. Maintains and reports required data on inventory, workload, dispensing records and drug use evaluation. Operates the computer programs and equipment required in each area of assignment. Participates in ongoing continuing education programs at the Medical Center to develop and maintain knowledge of adult and geriatric pharmacotherapy, Pharmacoeconomics, pharmaceutics, and hospital pharmacy Incumbent must have a thorough understanding of the hospital's formulary system. Must be able to respond to a non-formulary request by suggesting a formulary drug as an alternative and must know how to handle special request items. Incumbent is responsible for the promotion of basic clinical programs, departmental goals and objectives of an effective and efficient drug distribution. The incumbent will be provided with opportunities and may request to participate in clinical projects. Work Schedule: Varying shifts Monday-Friday 6:30am-6:00pm, occasional weekend/holiday coverage Telework: Not Eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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